Margaret
Margaret is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Pearl”, pronounced MAR-guh-ret. It ranked #112 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,436 babies, and peaked at #3 in 1891. Common nicknames: Maggie, Meg, Peggy.
How popular is Margaret in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Margaret mean, and where does it come from?
Margaret derives from the Greek "margarites," meaning "pearl," via the Latin "Margarita." It has been one of the most enduring and prestigious names in the English-speaking world for nearly a thousand years, borne by numerous queens and saints, including Saint Margaret of Scotland and Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister. The name has produced an unusually rich array of nicknames across languages — Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Daisy, Greta, and Rita among them — reflecting its long and widespread use. Margaret remains a dignified, classic choice that balances royal gravitas with warm familiarity.
How is Margaret used around the world?
Margaret is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 35+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Margaret?
Famous People Named Margaret
- Margaret Thatcher — first female British Prime Minister
- Princess Margaret — younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II
- Margaret Atwood — Canadian novelist and poet
Similar Names to Margaret
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Sibling Name Ideas for Margaret
Looking for names that pair well with Margaret? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Margaret mean?
Margaret is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Pearl." Margaret derives from the Greek "margarites," meaning "pearl," via the Latin "Margarita." It has been one of the most enduring and prestigious names in the English-speaking world for nearly a thousand years, borne by numerous queens and saints, including Saint Margaret of Scotland and Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister.
How do you pronounce Margaret?
Margaret is pronounced MAR-guh-ret. Common variations include Marguerite, Margarita, Margarethe.
Is Margaret a girl name?
Yes, Margaret is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Maggie, Meg, Peggy, Daisy.